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An English-Language programme for students with an academic bachelor in Computer Science

The Master of Computer Science is a two-year (120 ECTS) advanced study in computer science organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, a Flemish university located in Brussels, Belgium. This English-speaking programme is designed for students with a solid, basic academic background in computer science (Bachelor in Computer Science). The objectives of the programme are to provide a deeper understanding and knowledge of various specializations of computer science and to prepare the student for an active role in computer science research and development. The following specializations are offered: Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia, Software Engineering and Web & Information Systems.

Course Outline & programme

All students study a core programme of 30 credits; do a research training of 6 credits and a master thesis of 24 credits. Students should choose one out of four specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia, Software Engineering, or Web & Information Systems. 30 credits should be spent to mandatory and optional courses within the chosen specialization. The 24 remaining optional courses can be taken within the specialization or from another specialization. Finally, 6 credits can be chosen completely freely form any of the VUB courses. This brings the total to 120 ECTS credits. The master thesis as well as the research training needs to be related to the chosen specialization.

Artificial Intelligence

The focus in this specialization is on building intelligent software artifacts. The theories of complex dynamic systems and self-organization are emphasized starting from the theory of complex dynamic systems as developed in related fields such as mathematics, physics, and biology. Students will be exposed to current research in the areas of adaptive systems, multi-agent systems, and the origins of language.

Multimedia

Students in this specialization will conduct in-depth exploration of techniques for signal processing and communication of multimedia content. The program is designed to build thorough technological and scientific knowledge of various multimedia domains such as digital television, telephony and video phony, computer animation, computer games, and the Internet. Students will gain experience with complex ICT architectures for the processing, distribution, and consumption of multimedia content.

Software Engineering

In this specialization, students gain the skills needed to build complex software applications and software intensive systems. Students are also taught scientifically sound methods, as well as the newest techniques and tools for the developing of software. The curriculum also includes research topics in programming languages and integrated development environments.

Web & Information Systems

This specialization is geared towards information system development and application development in the context of the Web. Students will learn about data and semantic representation techniques and acquire thorough technological and scientific knowledge related to the newest technological developments for the Web. Students can participate is research in the area of ontologies, new media systems (multimedia, Virtual Reality, games, social systems), and the "Internet of Things".

Contents

Strong embedding in ongoing research

The faculty of Science and the faculty of Engineering of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel have joined forces to offer a highly competitive and interesting programme. The courses and specializations are strongly embedded in the ongoing research activities of research groups each specialized in a particular domain of Computer Science. The research groups participate in various international research networks and projects. Master students carry out their study in one of these groups.

By being part of a professional research team, students receive maximal opportunities to learn and develop scientific skills, and to participate in this world-class research. The teams also have experience in developing research trajectories that result in societal and economic impact. They have implemented an active policy in technology and knowledge transfer, patenting, spin-off creation, industrial networking and innovation.

Active style of learning

Furthermore, courses are designed to promote an active style of learning. In addition to regular lectures, a broad range of instruction techniques are employed, such as group and individual projects, seminars, workshops, and research trainings. It is also possible to take courses from another Belgian university, or to study for one or two semesters at a foreign university. The language of instruction is English.

Joint organisation of two departments provides wide range of research topics

Two departments, the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science and the Department of Electronics and Informatics in the Faculty of Engineering, jointly organise the Master programmes. Together, they have more than 200 researchers who cover a wide range of research topics.

Requirements

University requirements

Program requirements

This master programme presupposes a broad and good basic knowledge of computer science. Admission is based upon acceptance. Non-EEA nationals should apply before March 1. EEA nationals should apply before June 1. Prerequisite for application for the programme Master of Computer Science is an Academic bachelor's degree in either Computer Science or Engineering. Equivalency and admission will be evaluated case by case. Entering in the second semester (February) is possible under certain conditions.Students belonging to the EEA (European Economic Area): NO proof of English proficiency required. For students outside the EEA Proof of English proficiency is compulsory and can be documented by the following certificates (provided by the institution):A document attesting that English is the language of instruction for several courses followed (at least 15 ECTS);A document attesting that at least 1 year of secondary education has been completed in English;A diploma of primary education stating that English was the language of instruction;A language test: only TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, CPE, CAE are accepted.Scores should be sent directly by the examination centre to the VUB under sealed envelope. Officially authenticated copies are not accepted. Taking a test (language or GMAT) after the deadline of application will delay the screening of your file.* You are a European Economic Area (EEA) national if you are a citizen or national of one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, ithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. If you have permanent residence in, but not citizenship of, any of these countries, you are not an EEA national.** The minimum requirements of the language tests are the following:TOEFL: paper-based: 550, computer-based: 213, internet-based: 80;TOEIC: 860;IELTS-academic module: Band 6.5;CPE: Grade C;CAE: Grade B. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80

Funding

Scholarships granted by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel awards yearly a number of scholarships for advanced studies at Master or Advanced Master level. These programmes are characterized by the integration of education and research and a Master's thesis. They cover at least one year of study and depending on the field of study some programmes may take 2 years.

Yearly one or more specific programmes will be considered for Scholarships of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The Bureau for Development Cooperation selects these programmes every year following an internal "Call for Interest" to all programme directors of a Master or Master after Master programme. This selection is submitted for endorsement to the Research Council.

Scholarships for International Course Programmes (ICP)

The Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) offers yearly scholarships to students from developing countries to follow International Courses. These courses are master courses, lasting two academic years, all of which lead to a masters degree. The ICPs focus on specific problems of developing countries. International Courses are:

Master in Human Ecology

Master of Science in Molecular Biology

Master of Science in Ecological Marine Management

Master of Science in Physical Land Resources

Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering

Outstanding graduates can subsequently apply for a 4 year grant from the Flemish Interuniversity Council to obtain a PhD-degree.

Scholarships for International Training Programmes (ITP)

International Training Programmes are short-term training programmes whose main focus is transferring skills rather than knowledge. The programme is designed for people from developing countries with a certain degree of professional experience. A possibility for cooperation and networking is created during these 3 months of training.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers a training programme in Scientific and Technological Information Management in Universities and Libraries

Scholarships of the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC)

BTC is the Belgian development cooperation agency that supports developing countries in their fight against poverty. Each year BTC grants some 1.000 scholarships in Belgium across diverse fields of training, including Master programmes to students from its priority countries.

Erasmus Mundus Master scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus programme is a co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education which promotes the European Union as a centre of excellence in learning around the world. It supports European top-quality Masters Courses and provides EU-funded scholarships for third country (non-EU) nationals participating in these Masters Courses.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel participates in the following Erasmus Mundus Master programmes: (click on a link for detailed information).

Master of Science in Photonics

M.A. Degree in Economics of International Trade and European Integration

Student Jobs

During the academic year, international students are entitled to work maximum 20 hours per week. They can work on a full time basis only during the summer holidays period (July-September).

The money earned from student jobs should be considered as a supplementary source of income, not as main financial means for living in Belgium.

The Job Service can help international students to find a student job. Nevertheless, students should be aware that they might face the following difficulties during their job search:

non-European students are required to have a category C work permit.

employers in Brussels very often need bilingual French/Dutch workers or explained at the Job Service or at the International Relations and Mobility Office.

Important remarks

Students who apply for a scholarship will receive a conditional letter of acceptance. This admission letter is valid only if the scholarship is awarded. Students coming for a short period are advised to bring either cash money or an international credit card. Most banks refuse customers who are here for less than 6 months. Even when you have the necessary means, problems can still arise, such as:

foreign cheques that cannot be cashed in Belgium

delayed or blocked bank transfers from abroad

loss of money due to devaluation

sponsors not paying allowances

insufficient scholarships money

loss of scholarship.

Remember to save the money for your return flight ticket at the end of your studies.